Edo State Govt Shuts Down Borrow Pit Over Mining Safety Concerns

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all activities at the Agbontaen and Sons Borrow Pit (also known as Morgan Pit) located in Ikhueniro Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State, over alleged significant mining development with safety concerns.

The closure was announced on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, when the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, led a delegation to the mining site. The Team included the Director of Mining, Mr. Ihianle Omoruyi, the Chairman of the Edo State Mining Taskforce, Mr. Michael Agbonifo, among others. According to the Commissioner, The visit was prompted by petitions from residents of the host Community, who raised alarms about the environmental impact of mining activities by the said Borrow Pit, and the potential threats to lives and property.

During the inspection, the Commissioner expressed strong displeasure over what he described as the Operator’s continued disregard for Government directives. He noted that the Site had previously been sealed pending investigations into Community concerns, and that the Operator was invited multiple times to appear before the Ministry for clarification and proper investigation, but ignored such summons, and continued mining activities in defiance of Government orders.

The Commissioner highlighted evidence from the inspection showing freshly excavated sand, indicating ongoing mining despite the official sealing of the Site. He warned that the excavation appeared to be advancing dangerously close to residential areas, which by Law, should have been halted. “This level of disregard for Government authority and the safety of residents in host Communities cannot be tolerated,” he said, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to enforcing environmental and mining regulations in the interest of public safety.

The Director of Mining, Mr. Omoruyi, also spoke on the environmental consequences of continued excavation at the Site. He pointed out visible degradation, including gully erosion around access routes to the borrow pit. He observed signs that groundwater had connected with a water pool at the base of the excavation, actively recharging it. He warned that disrupting groundwater levels through deep excavation could allow contaminants from mining operations and floodwaters to seep into nearby water sources, threatening the quality of borehole water used by residents.

Mr. Omoruyi added that the current condition of the Site raises concerns of potential pollution of local water sources. “Environmental experts have long warned that poorly regulated borrow pits and sand mining can destabilize land , increase erosion, and contaminate groundwater if safeguards are not observed,” he submitted.

He stated that residents had earlier petitioned Government authorities, expressing fears that mining at the Site posed serious risks to their homes, farmland, and water supply. He explained that borrow pits near settlements weaken soil stability, increase erosion and land subsidence risks, and create open pits that pose hazards, particularly to children.

The Chairman of the Edo State Mining Taskforce, Mr. Michael Agbonifo, while addressing the issue during the inspection, warned truck drivers and haulage operators against transporting materials from the said Site. He noted that such activity encourages environmental degradation and undermines Government enforcement efforts.

The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight of mining activities across the State to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Officials stressed that protecting lives, property, and the natural environment remains a top priority. Government actions will continue to align with the commitment to responsible mineral resource management and the wellbeing of Edo State citizens.